Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
NT clean up order over massive tyre haul
The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority has ordered a Victorian company to clean up a 3000-tonne pile of old tyres near Darwin.
December 17, 2021
A Victorian company has been ordered to clean up a massive pile of environmentally hazardous old tyres stored on a property south of Darwin.
More than 3000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres are illegally stored at an Acacia Hills property, the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority says.
“It is disappointing that Ecoflex, despite every opportunity to do so, failed to comply with its licence and carry-out the required actions,” chair Paul Vogel said.
Stockpiled tyres can release toxic chemicals into the ground, causing contamination of soil and ground water.
They are also a potentially serious fire hazard and put neighbouring properties at risk.
Tyres can burn for extended periods and the inhalation of fine smoke particles from combusting tyres are a significant risk to human health and the environment.
The authority said Ecoflex NT accumulated tyres over numerous years in contravention of its licence.
The breach of licence was detected in 2019 and the authority has worked closely with Ecoflex NT in a bid to bring its activity back into compliance.
Ecoflex NT is based in Victoria.
The company has been ordered to remove the tyres by February 21, 2022.